there is more preassure if you are hired first. But for financial reasons generally you are being paid to go to class and your classes arer paid for. I would say if you have a chance to be put through the academy jump on it. Some agencies won't consider you unless you are certified though. It's a double edged sword.

I think its better to get on some where due to the fact that working and going to school can be hard to do .....but then if u go on your own ......the dept. will be like look we dont have to send em to the academy he can hit the streets quicker! depends

I put myself through an academy some 20 years ago in Colorado, this in turn helped me get my current job in Las Vegas. I went through the Academy again in Las Vegas. The experience in Colorado helped me from an academic standpoint in Las Vegas and to me was well worth the expense.

Remember this, any way you can get your foot in the door will help you further your career. If you have the chance to put yourself through an academy it only makes you that much more marketable.

"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway"
John Wayne 1907-1979